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Tales From The History Of Mathematics
Do you know how mathematics came to be? Numbers, shapes, lines, equations: you either love them or you hate them; but do you know the story behind these? How did we go from lines on a piece of bark to million-row matrices that can only be processed by supercomputers? Mathematics is the foundation on which technology has been built and advanced over the years. The contributions to this growth have come from all over the world and India has been at the forefront of mathematical progress, with its discovery of zero and the modern number system. History of Mathematics brings to life this journey through the evolution of the art and science of Mathematics, both in India and the western world, with a fascinating blend of fact and anecdote.
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 25, 2018
Review at A Bookworm's Musing
I'm one of the few who enjoyed Mathematics as a subject in school. That's why this book immediately appealed to me, and I had to procure a copy.
Many of us think mathematics isn't going to be useful to us once we graduate from high school. The fact remains, it is one subject that continues to be a part of our lives from childhood till death. We find its use in various places, from measuring volume to keeping account of our finances. Through this book, the author shares 26 tales that share the origins of such parts of Mathematics. Some tales are familiar, like that of Archimedes, and the "Eureka" moment. Some tales were new to me, like that of the first woman mathematician Hypatia. The author at times crafts some tales of her own using history as the foundation too. I could see how some people shunned Mathematics for reasons like religion, or because knowledge was restricted. I liked the story with Aditi and her father, a fictional offering by the author. It was interesting to read about the math trick shared there. While I am fond of Mathematics, I'm not overly fond of History. So some parts of the book did not appeal to me at all. It does add value to the book, no doubt.
I appreciate the effort to research these stories. It could have been easy to do. It is, in a way, a unique take on history and mathematics, that children would love to read without feeling bored or feeling like they are reading a textbook. The book is quite engaging, and can be read in a couple of hours perhaps. Wishing the author much success with this book.
I'm one of the few who enjoyed Mathematics as a subject in school. That's why this book immediately appealed to me, and I had to procure a copy.
Many of us think mathematics isn't going to be useful to us once we graduate from high school. The fact remains, it is one subject that continues to be a part of our lives from childhood till death. We find its use in various places, from measuring volume to keeping account of our finances. Through this book, the author shares 26 tales that share the origins of such parts of Mathematics. Some tales are familiar, like that of Archimedes, and the "Eureka" moment. Some tales were new to me, like that of the first woman mathematician Hypatia. The author at times crafts some tales of her own using history as the foundation too. I could see how some people shunned Mathematics for reasons like religion, or because knowledge was restricted. I liked the story with Aditi and her father, a fictional offering by the author. It was interesting to read about the math trick shared there. While I am fond of Mathematics, I'm not overly fond of History. So some parts of the book did not appeal to me at all. It does add value to the book, no doubt.
I appreciate the effort to research these stories. It could have been easy to do. It is, in a way, a unique take on history and mathematics, that children would love to read without feeling bored or feeling like they are reading a textbook. The book is quite engaging, and can be read in a couple of hours perhaps. Wishing the author much success with this book.
September 5, 2018
This is the first time I am reading stories about Mathematics. I so loved to know about the history and the stories attached to them even though they were fictionalized.
This is a book that can be read by all members of the family.
It is very well written in an easy understandable language and lucid manner.
I would definitely urge the author to write a sequel with more stories.
To make a dry subject like mathematics enjoyable is a huge task which the author has very well accomplished.
This is a book that can be read by all members of the family.
It is very well written in an easy understandable language and lucid manner.
I would definitely urge the author to write a sequel with more stories.
To make a dry subject like mathematics enjoyable is a huge task which the author has very well accomplished.
August 15, 2018
Maths has always been a hot topic in my household. South-Indian, you see. It is an indispensable part of our life right from the beginning. If Swaraj is the birth-right that Lokmanya Tilak was so fond of, Maths is the birth right of every South-Indian family. If you cannot score centum in Maths means there is some serious mistake in your genetics. Hence, the fact that you need to be a pro in Maths glared so bright that it blinded our vision. If you wanted to move ahead without faltering, you had no choice but to ace the subject. There is a saying ‘we can hate it but cannot ignore it’. I can see you nodding at this and that is what exactly Maths is all about. The subject is everywhere and you cannot ignore. Right from our accounts, daily grocery shopping, maintaining bills and so many other sundry things, it highlights its glorious visage left, right and center.
I can still hear my mother scream,” Does your one cup rice have 3 cups of water?”, when I was shutting the lid of my pressure cooker. I shuddered with fear. “Oh heavens, Maths cannot stop interfering in my life. It has entered in my kitchen too”, I went on sotto voce.
When did Mathematics take birth? What was the genesis of it? How did it spread across so many civilizations and what was the contribution of each civilization to the rise in the knowledge of this subject? How many of us have tried to find out the answers? Curiosity brought me to Archana Sarat’s “The History of Mathematics” which covers variety of aspects that one wants to know about its origin.
‘The History of Mathematics’ comprises of 26 tales that marks the origin of parts of Mathematics. The author has skillfully crafted the tale surrounding the history and facts through proper research. The book undoubtedly shows that the subject is very close to author’s heart.
Sharing some snippet of the stories I liked from the book:
I liked the story of ‘Tally Marks’ very much. I have often wondered why this horizontal line is drawn across the 4 vertical lines. Tally marks help save time and east out the process of counting. The story narrows the minutest detail of its origin and how the fifth line cuts through making it look like a barred gate. That’s a brilliant way to put it and teach the children without getting into the point of confusion.
I felt the story ‘Much ado about nothing’ found it quite interesting. It gives an idea about how civilizations were open minded about sharing and accepting the new knowledge that they came across. There was a great amount of sharing new ideas between civilizations like Indus, Mesopotamia, China and India in terms of Mathematics to broaden their horizons and make the life easier than it was.
The story that I felt little bit exaggerated is Akkad feels cold. As compared to the other stories which flow very naturally, this one offers more fictional air. Nevertheless, it tickles our funny bones by the way the tale is told.
The excerpt I found amusing:
“They don’t know that I have adjusted the strings of my lyre to follow mathematical proportions. It will be too hard for them to accept my explanation that music and mathematics go together. I believe that only mathematics and music can purify one’s soul.”
Music and Mathematics go together. Every harmony that string produces is a work of mathematics and the above lines expressed by one of the finest mathematicians vouch for that.
‘The History of Mathematics’ will make you come to it again and again and take in the sweet essence of it. This book is not only for adults but it can also be read and understood by children. It can make an excellent book-club selection as it has the ability to draw deep discussions, bring on more ideas, assimilate them and even regale the tales within. It will also serve as a wonderful collection for teachers to keep in their class library.
You do not need to be a Mathematical genius or a subject matter expert to read this book, as Archana says “you are already a Mathematician”.
Having read author’s previous book ‘Birds of Prey’, which was completely a different genre based on psychological thriller, I picked up this book the minute I set my eyes on it. I love Archana’s way of storytelling as she completely brings life-like images of a particular scene to the reader’s eyes. The story revolves around many civilizations which contributed significantly in expanding the breadth of Mathematics. Our very own Indian civilization has been a pioneer in many mathematical concepts and helped Arabs and the western countries to adapt those concepts. My chest swells with pride having known that so many Mathematicians and Astronomers originated from India but at the same time I feel bad knowing some of them leaned on to the religious beliefs and fabricated the concepts keeping in mind the interests of society.
If you love Mathematics and want to know how its concepts came into existence, with brilliant stories giving a background of each concept, rush to a nearest store and pick Archana Sarat’s ‘The History of Mathematics’. Great content with beautiful expression of thoughts will surely delight you.
I can still hear my mother scream,” Does your one cup rice have 3 cups of water?”, when I was shutting the lid of my pressure cooker. I shuddered with fear. “Oh heavens, Maths cannot stop interfering in my life. It has entered in my kitchen too”, I went on sotto voce.
When did Mathematics take birth? What was the genesis of it? How did it spread across so many civilizations and what was the contribution of each civilization to the rise in the knowledge of this subject? How many of us have tried to find out the answers? Curiosity brought me to Archana Sarat’s “The History of Mathematics” which covers variety of aspects that one wants to know about its origin.
‘The History of Mathematics’ comprises of 26 tales that marks the origin of parts of Mathematics. The author has skillfully crafted the tale surrounding the history and facts through proper research. The book undoubtedly shows that the subject is very close to author’s heart.
Sharing some snippet of the stories I liked from the book:
I liked the story of ‘Tally Marks’ very much. I have often wondered why this horizontal line is drawn across the 4 vertical lines. Tally marks help save time and east out the process of counting. The story narrows the minutest detail of its origin and how the fifth line cuts through making it look like a barred gate. That’s a brilliant way to put it and teach the children without getting into the point of confusion.
I felt the story ‘Much ado about nothing’ found it quite interesting. It gives an idea about how civilizations were open minded about sharing and accepting the new knowledge that they came across. There was a great amount of sharing new ideas between civilizations like Indus, Mesopotamia, China and India in terms of Mathematics to broaden their horizons and make the life easier than it was.
The story that I felt little bit exaggerated is Akkad feels cold. As compared to the other stories which flow very naturally, this one offers more fictional air. Nevertheless, it tickles our funny bones by the way the tale is told.
The excerpt I found amusing:
“They don’t know that I have adjusted the strings of my lyre to follow mathematical proportions. It will be too hard for them to accept my explanation that music and mathematics go together. I believe that only mathematics and music can purify one’s soul.”
Music and Mathematics go together. Every harmony that string produces is a work of mathematics and the above lines expressed by one of the finest mathematicians vouch for that.
‘The History of Mathematics’ will make you come to it again and again and take in the sweet essence of it. This book is not only for adults but it can also be read and understood by children. It can make an excellent book-club selection as it has the ability to draw deep discussions, bring on more ideas, assimilate them and even regale the tales within. It will also serve as a wonderful collection for teachers to keep in their class library.
You do not need to be a Mathematical genius or a subject matter expert to read this book, as Archana says “you are already a Mathematician”.
Having read author’s previous book ‘Birds of Prey’, which was completely a different genre based on psychological thriller, I picked up this book the minute I set my eyes on it. I love Archana’s way of storytelling as she completely brings life-like images of a particular scene to the reader’s eyes. The story revolves around many civilizations which contributed significantly in expanding the breadth of Mathematics. Our very own Indian civilization has been a pioneer in many mathematical concepts and helped Arabs and the western countries to adapt those concepts. My chest swells with pride having known that so many Mathematicians and Astronomers originated from India but at the same time I feel bad knowing some of them leaned on to the religious beliefs and fabricated the concepts keeping in mind the interests of society.
If you love Mathematics and want to know how its concepts came into existence, with brilliant stories giving a background of each concept, rush to a nearest store and pick Archana Sarat’s ‘The History of Mathematics’. Great content with beautiful expression of thoughts will surely delight you.
August 20, 2018
Before giving my review on the novel, I must tell that I have always been a big zero in mathematics. I never performed well. But when I started reading this book I was like why I never took interest in maths.
Firstly, I have to appreciate the author for writing this book in such a clean language and with a beautiful vocabulary that every basic reader know about that. Secondly, I don't feel at all that this book is just meant for kids. This book is meant for all those who love maths unconditionally and also those who hate mathematics unconditionally. Yes, I come in the latter category.
There are many interesting stories to read in the book that are unarguably going to impress you like anything. This one is about the history of mathematics but in such a way that you'll enjoy to have knowledge about it.
Summing up, I must inform all of you that this novel is not just another novel to read and pass. It has so much to make you learn and give you to understand. That's the beauty of this amazing book. Do not miss.
Firstly, I have to appreciate the author for writing this book in such a clean language and with a beautiful vocabulary that every basic reader know about that. Secondly, I don't feel at all that this book is just meant for kids. This book is meant for all those who love maths unconditionally and also those who hate mathematics unconditionally. Yes, I come in the latter category.
There are many interesting stories to read in the book that are unarguably going to impress you like anything. This one is about the history of mathematics but in such a way that you'll enjoy to have knowledge about it.
Summing up, I must inform all of you that this novel is not just another novel to read and pass. It has so much to make you learn and give you to understand. That's the beauty of this amazing book. Do not miss.
September 27, 2018
Tales from the History of Mathematics by Archana Sarat is a blend of history folk tale and fiction - with various stories from the development of mathematical knowledge we take for granted today.
It is a charming easy read (I believe actually meant for kids but truly can be enjoyed by adults as well!) and shows Sarat’s love for the subject. The character are cheerful and there are healthy doses of humour peppered throughout.
This is a great book for a mental break after something really heavy, though you still do learn things you didn’t necessarily learn before.
As a child I absolutely hated math - and I really wish a book like this had been around to show me how beautiful it truly is. It is a fun read and very entertaining. Highly recommended!
It is a charming easy read (I believe actually meant for kids but truly can be enjoyed by adults as well!) and shows Sarat’s love for the subject. The character are cheerful and there are healthy doses of humour peppered throughout.
This is a great book for a mental break after something really heavy, though you still do learn things you didn’t necessarily learn before.
As a child I absolutely hated math - and I really wish a book like this had been around to show me how beautiful it truly is. It is a fun read and very entertaining. Highly recommended!
August 19, 2022
A great book, one of the greatest I've ever read.
There are many mathematical tricks in this book that can be applied to everyday mathematical equations. A novel suitable for both adults and children
There are many mathematical tricks in this book that can be applied to everyday mathematical equations. A novel suitable for both adults and children
July 23, 2018
Mathematics is a subject I have always loved. There is something so fascinating about the world of numbers. It is not merely a subject but a part of our daily lives. As the author of this book rightly says, we are all mathematicians and we were all born with the confidence to know and understand numbers. And then there is history. It is always intriguing and enthralling to know about the tale behind things which are a part of us in any way. So I felt compelled to pick this book which is magical in the way it amalgamates history and mathematics. Archana Sarat has done a fantastic job in narrating interesting anecdotes in an engaging and entertaining manner. It is not easy to narrate facts in a way that keeps the reader hooked but Archana has ensured that there is not a single drab moment in the book. Through 26 beautiful short stories, she gives us an insight into the history of key mathematical concepts in algebra, trigonometry and geometry and their evolution over the years. The stories are crisp, well - researched and enriching, and I was left asking for more by the end of it. It is a challenging job to cover the huge spectrum of Mathematics in a single book, but I liked the author's picks in this one and hope to see sequels in the future. This one must be read by adults and children alike, and it is a sure shot winner from the house of Readomania.
July 19, 2018
This book consists of 26 fascinating stories on various mathematical concepts, from different parts of the world. It is so fascinating to know about the history of maths & how it evolved over a period of time. Kudos to the author for coming up with such a lovely book. Definitely a must read for all ages...
December 20, 2018
3.5 stars
I picked this book mostly because I love mathematics and I have always been good at mathematics. I initially thought this was nonfiction but later realized that the author has written short stories about the history of mathematics. This book was targeted for children.
So the book is about two things - History of mathematics, which was very well researched and presented and Fictitious stories from history, which is where I feel this book lacked.
The stories themselves had no purpose other than to educate children about the history. So why not write them as non-fiction essays? The stories were extremely short and were not entertaining. They were too simplistic, may be good for people who are beginners and haven’t read much fiction. Also every story was accompanied by a non-fiction essay anyway. So the same information was repeated twice - once in the form of a story and then as an essay at the end.
What the book also lacked in was mathematics. I wish the author had spoken about mathematical problems and puzzles solved by the mentioned mathematicians. She did have some interesting problems and ways in which they were solved in the past. I just wish the book had more. Also, I noticed that this book was targeted for really young children as the mathematics was pretty elementary.
Also I am not sure how feasible it was for the author and publisher, but having photographs of the books that the author saw in museums would have been amazing. Not everyone can visit London Museums so I would have loved to see photographs of the books that she saw in the various museums she visited in order to do her research.
The history aspect of the book was great. The author has done lot of research and it is easy to teach children about India's contribution to mathematics through this book. I would recommend it to kids and parents alike. There are biographies of many famous mathematicians and a lot of history that we are not aware of. I especially liked reading about the first female mathematician and her contributions. I hope there is a sequel for this book soon and hope that it will be a non-fiction book.
Updated: After talking to the author, I now realize that having short stories based on history and not having too many mathematical problems makes the book less intimidating for children.
I picked this book mostly because I love mathematics and I have always been good at mathematics. I initially thought this was nonfiction but later realized that the author has written short stories about the history of mathematics. This book was targeted for children.
So the book is about two things - History of mathematics, which was very well researched and presented and Fictitious stories from history, which is where I feel this book lacked.
The stories themselves had no purpose other than to educate children about the history. So why not write them as non-fiction essays? The stories were extremely short and were not entertaining. They were too simplistic, may be good for people who are beginners and haven’t read much fiction. Also every story was accompanied by a non-fiction essay anyway. So the same information was repeated twice - once in the form of a story and then as an essay at the end.
What the book also lacked in was mathematics. I wish the author had spoken about mathematical problems and puzzles solved by the mentioned mathematicians. She did have some interesting problems and ways in which they were solved in the past. I just wish the book had more. Also, I noticed that this book was targeted for really young children as the mathematics was pretty elementary.
Also I am not sure how feasible it was for the author and publisher, but having photographs of the books that the author saw in museums would have been amazing. Not everyone can visit London Museums so I would have loved to see photographs of the books that she saw in the various museums she visited in order to do her research.
The history aspect of the book was great. The author has done lot of research and it is easy to teach children about India's contribution to mathematics through this book. I would recommend it to kids and parents alike. There are biographies of many famous mathematicians and a lot of history that we are not aware of. I especially liked reading about the first female mathematician and her contributions. I hope there is a sequel for this book soon and hope that it will be a non-fiction book.
Updated: After talking to the author, I now realize that having short stories based on history and not having too many mathematical problems makes the book less intimidating for children.
January 28, 2019
“Mathematics reveals its secrets only to those who approach it with pure love, for its beauty”…Archimedes
Whether you like mathematics or not the fact remains that it is an integral part of every human being from birth to death. This is one subject which cannot be ignored or avoided. Our ancestors were very fast in doing calculations mentally because they were trained for that since their primary classes. Mathematics is one subject which gives a logical flow for any problem and a definite answer. The measurements, curves, lines, figures etc., we see and use in our everyday life. People who do not have formal education also need to use the simple arithmetic calculations for domestic purposes and to maintain their finances. It is very unfortunate that even before a child loves it, he or she starts hating mathematics. But every child loves stories. Reading about the “History of Mathematics” written by Archana Sarat got me engrossed. This is the first time an author has written stories in mathematics. The author has well researched and brilliantly written this book and it is very lucid. Understanding the genesis of the different concepts in mathematics like algebra, geometry, tally bars etc., were very interesting. All the 26 stories have been well researched and presented well by Archana. It is a must read by all especially by young parents so that they can inculcate love for mathematics in their child. A must read for all…..”Mathematics is interesting and fascinating” no doubt; more so with authors like Archana mathematics will become joyful for the younger generations.
Whether you like mathematics or not the fact remains that it is an integral part of every human being from birth to death. This is one subject which cannot be ignored or avoided. Our ancestors were very fast in doing calculations mentally because they were trained for that since their primary classes. Mathematics is one subject which gives a logical flow for any problem and a definite answer. The measurements, curves, lines, figures etc., we see and use in our everyday life. People who do not have formal education also need to use the simple arithmetic calculations for domestic purposes and to maintain their finances. It is very unfortunate that even before a child loves it, he or she starts hating mathematics. But every child loves stories. Reading about the “History of Mathematics” written by Archana Sarat got me engrossed. This is the first time an author has written stories in mathematics. The author has well researched and brilliantly written this book and it is very lucid. Understanding the genesis of the different concepts in mathematics like algebra, geometry, tally bars etc., were very interesting. All the 26 stories have been well researched and presented well by Archana. It is a must read by all especially by young parents so that they can inculcate love for mathematics in their child. A must read for all…..”Mathematics is interesting and fascinating” no doubt; more so with authors like Archana mathematics will become joyful for the younger generations.
June 15, 2019
I never liked Math in the senior classes, especially the double integration, but while a child I was fascinated by Math. I've always been intrigued by the stories of how these formulae and theories were derived and finally someone presents them in an interesting and fun manner.
Archana delves into the stories, albeit fictional, and presents some interesting facts about how mathematicians worked to present us better tools and techniques for measurements and calculations.
The language is simplistic and the story-telling fun. My favourite part after reading each story was the factual information given in the 'Know More' section that added to the intrigue of the fictional story while also demystifying the subject of Math.
A must read for all those who love Math, for it will surely either strengthen your love for Math, or those who dislike it, for it will make you reconsider your position.
Archana delves into the stories, albeit fictional, and presents some interesting facts about how mathematicians worked to present us better tools and techniques for measurements and calculations.
The language is simplistic and the story-telling fun. My favourite part after reading each story was the factual information given in the 'Know More' section that added to the intrigue of the fictional story while also demystifying the subject of Math.
A must read for all those who love Math, for it will surely either strengthen your love for Math, or those who dislike it, for it will make you reconsider your position.
June 24, 2019
Disclaimer to begin with; I am giving 4* to this book with a clear perspective of it being written as a Children/Teen’s literature and not complicating its assessment by putting it through my unnecessary, adult sensibilities.
This is a book about Mathematics and the love of it. How mathematics evolved over ages and how numbers started playing their role in the daily as well as research related prerogatives. It is easy to understand and 13+ kids can read it although not too bad for adults too. I recommend for them as well.
My limited grouse is that either it could have been a detailed study of history of Maths or a nicely done fictionalised account of the same. Sadly it is none. It just broaches any random, extremely minor topic and weaves an even smaller story around it and abruptly moves on to the next chapter. It could never keep me connected with it as any good book should.
Having said that, would still maybe gift it to a teen who is starting to read.
This is a book about Mathematics and the love of it. How mathematics evolved over ages and how numbers started playing their role in the daily as well as research related prerogatives. It is easy to understand and 13+ kids can read it although not too bad for adults too. I recommend for them as well.
My limited grouse is that either it could have been a detailed study of history of Maths or a nicely done fictionalised account of the same. Sadly it is none. It just broaches any random, extremely minor topic and weaves an even smaller story around it and abruptly moves on to the next chapter. It could never keep me connected with it as any good book should.
Having said that, would still maybe gift it to a teen who is starting to read.
February 10, 2022
Thank you Archana sarat , a very warmful gratitude to you for your extreme efforts to have written down this book. I've learnt that whatever I'm studying in mathematics is the outcomes of someone's life, life-time struggle and furthermore, has saved the lives of people. I feel proud to know that Decimal system and notation ,besides ZERO was used in calculation the first time in india , have been given by our indian civilization.
August 28, 2018
A true delight for Maths enthusiasts. A pleasant read for "Maths-haters" too!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews